Prozac and Pregnancy

[Bouj]

Has anyone continued to take Prozac during pregnancy? I am taking it for PND, and my GP is obviously concerned that pregnancy, and of course a new baby will set me back. It is a concern to me and dh as well of course, but so is the effects of prozac in pregnancy! My GP is being a little cagey, saying there are pros and cons... but I am not sure what they are yet! Btw, I am not pregnant at the moment, but am keen to start trying (have 'gotta have another baby' hormones holding me hostage). Any thoughts, experiences, advice welcome!

[Ameriscot2005]

Never taken it personally, but millions of women have taken it through pregnancy without any problems.

If you need it and don't, there are plenty of cons too.

[expatinscotland]

Good question. It's very, very likely I'll have to go back on ADs before giving birth, too (I'm nearly 9 weeks and already experiencing depressive feelings; had severe PND last time). Don't know about in the first trimester, but people do take them in the 3rd trimester and get on okay.

[Bouj]

I suppose that is one option: being off it for the all important first trimester, and then going back on it if need be. It stays in your system for so long though, doesn't it? I was such a worrier when pregnant with ds, I can't imagine what I will be like if taking medication!!

[expatinscotland]

Bouj
Go see your doctor, b/c it's NEVER a good idea to stop taking AD's cold turkey!

I'd do some research and then see the doctor about your options.

In my case, my doctor thinks it's best if I'm depressed to start in the 3rd trimester and it'll be built up in my system in time for the birth.

[sansouci]

Please continue to take Prozac during your pg if you need it! I went through 2 pgs on 40mg of Prozac per day & both children are well. Absolutely no problems. No withdrawal for the babies, no sleepiness or hyperactivity. Nothing! I was concerned too, but both my psych. & ob/gyn reassured me that the risks are small, or even non-existant & that it is far more harmful for a pg mum to be off Prozac if she honestly needs it.

[expatinscotland]

Sansouci
Can a woman still b/f if she's been on ADs in her last trimester?

I couldn't w/DD, but that's b/c I also needed prescribed sleeping tablets, anti-anxiety meds and some meds to control hypertension.

Am hoping to avoid that this time by having enough ADs in my system to avoid the big post-partum crash.

[Bouj]

Thanks all - greatly appreciated. I always assumed it was a huge no-no, so it is a relief to know people do it. I am honestly loads better, but we are in the middle of buying our first house (which I am far too excited about to be stressed) so my GP is worried. She is fantastic though, has been my GP since I was 7
I guess, I do trust her, but feel much better knowing that other people have taken it successfully through pregnancies. Sansouci, I am taking 40 mg aswell, so good to know you were too. Oh, and I would never stop taking them cold turkey - am a major wimp when it comes to side effects, and the idea of being worse does not appeal!!

[sansouci]

I breastfed on Prozac; no problems. Tranks & sleeping pills are different. If your baby is too zonked to feed, big trouble!